The Good in Bad-minton!

Badminton is a racquet sport done by volleying a shuttlecock back and forth across a net.  It is played either in singles or doubles.  The roots of this sport can be traced back to mid-1800s, by British military officers stationed in British India. It's inspired by the traditional game called “battledore and shuttlecock” and was later formalized with set rules in England.  Badminton got its name from a country home of the Duke of Beaufort in southwestern England.

With Rutchel

Although this sport became popular world-wide, Asians have taken it to another level.  Today, the elite Badminton players in the world come from China, South Korea, Indonesia and Malaysia.  Besides world championships, these countries also rack up medals in the Olympics since the sport was included in 1982.

For those who may think that Badminton is not a hardy sport because it uses a thin racquet and a little feathered birdie, this sport require aerobic stamina, agility, explosive strength, speed and precision.  And yes, players do get injured, too in high levels of play.  Just take a look at this Badminton game courtesy of YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZ2k-tsX5KE

The friendly regulars: Albeth & Mercy, Tim & Renny

So, how do I inspire you to take up this wonderful sport and what is its connection to Kalihi?  Well, I found that there is such thing as the Honolulu Badminton Club, the first and only private badminton club in Honolulu and they are actually located in Kalihi at 1336 Dillingham Blvd.   You can sign up for membership at a very low price or you can just walk in to play for the night to see how it is.  The friendly owners are willing to give newcomers free lessons.

Here are reasons why it’s good to take up Badminton:

·      A very good form of exercise which, increases your flexibility, speed and agility

·      Low impact sport (unless played at high level)

·      Non-contact sport, less injury

·      Just need another person to play with (not a whole team)

Pheobe & Jimmy Yeung

·      No problem with weather, it’s played indoors

·      Uses affordable tools

·      You’ll meet other players and make friends

·      It’s FUN!

Honolulu Badminton Club (808-354-0146)

Mon to Fri - 6 to 10 p.m., Sat, Sun - 4 to 10 p.m.